German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley

German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley GSRSV is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization operated by one individual: Brian Foran.
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German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley (GSRSV) is an organization dedicated to finding good homes for German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and GSD mixes at risk of being placed in shelters, or who are already in shelters and possibly facing euthanasia. Though countless volunteers and benefactors have supported--and continue to support--GSRSV, he runs and primarily funds the program since February 2001

. GSRSV places dogs throughout northern California and western Nevada, but does not exclude people who live even further away from adopting. He encourages prospective adopters who are a significant distance from GSRSV to work with their local rescue groups first to find the dog that they are looking for. Check out our website: www.gsrsv.org where you can find more info, adoptable dogs, and GSRSV events.

UPDATE 6-9-26: ELLIE ADOPTED!**********************************************URGENT! SWEET, PLAYFUL 5-YO SPAYED FEMALE GSD...
05/29/2026

UPDATE 6-9-26: ELLIE ADOPTED!
**********************************************
URGENT! SWEET, PLAYFUL 5-YO SPAYED FEMALE GSD/HUSKY IN MERCED NEEDS NEW HOME BY JUNE 1 OR ??????

I heard from a guy (Melvin) in Merced today who needs to rehome his 5-yo spayed female GSD/Husky "Ellie" by June 1. Melvin's landlord issued 60-day notices back in April to him and nine other occupants of houses in his tract so that he (the landlord) could demolish the houses and make way for a new housing development (ugh).

Melvin is unable to take Ellie with him where he's moving to. He's been trying to find a new home for Ellie for two months; now, he's just about out of time. He has to be out of his house (which he's rented for 20 yrs) by June 1.

Ellie is cat-friendly! She's good w/ the resident cat and is friendly with the neighbor's cat as well. Melvin describes Ellie as "caring & playful."

Ellie has received formal obedience training and is good in a crate. Melvin is disabled and is unable to take Ellie for walks, so she has not received much leash-training.

Melvin adopted Ellie from the Merced County animal shelter four years ago.

Might you be interested in finding more about Ellie? If so, please contact Melvin Sellers at 209-585-3901 or [email protected].

HOME AT LAST!It's been a long journey for "Thor", both literally and figuratively.Thor is pictured here on the beach in ...
05/19/2026

HOME AT LAST!

It's been a long journey for "Thor", both literally and figuratively.

Thor is pictured here on the beach in Massachusetts. Thor was delivered to his new person, Lynne Montague of Beverly, MA, on Saturday, May 16. Thor traveled by ground transport originating at GSRSV's Rescue Ranch in Pleasant Grove, CA, on May 11. (See previous post from the same date.)

GSRSV rescued Thor from the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter on April 3 at Lynne's request. She had seen Thor listed on the shelter's euthanasia list via social media and was somehow drawn to him among all the other "red-listed" dogs.

Here's Lynne's first update on Thor (May 16):
"Thor got to the beach this morning and met some friends......He's been great with other dogs.

He gets along fine w/ my 16-yo beagle but he is a bit too playful for my 15-yo (dog) and has knocked her (over) a few times. I will be with them for the next few days while they work it out. He is getting extra walks to work off his energy."

Happy trails, Thor!

MASSACHUSETTS OR BUST!“Thor” a 10-yo neutered male GSD, left GSRSV’s rescue ranch today aboard a professional pet rescue...
05/12/2026

MASSACHUSETTS OR BUST!

“Thor” a 10-yo neutered male GSD, left GSRSV’s rescue ranch today aboard a professional pet rescue van (B’s Pet Delivery out of Billings, MT). Thor is destined for Beverly, MA, where Lynne Montague will be receiving him for adoption.

GSRSV rescued Thor from the Stanislaus County Shelter on April 3 at the request of Lynne, who saw him on a Facebook post. (See post from April 3 below.)

Thor’s transport will take 5-7 days, as B has a few other dogs to pick up and deliver on the way..

Thor’s delivery and adoption pics to come!.

SHOUT OUT TO TANDIS ALIZADEH OF MILL VALLEY--ONE VERY COMMITTED FOSTER CARETAKER!After fostering her for nearly one year...
05/10/2026

SHOUT OUT TO TANDIS ALIZADEH OF MILL VALLEY--ONE VERY COMMITTED FOSTER CARETAKER!

After fostering her for nearly one year, Tandis Alizadeh & her husband Reza decided to adopt "Luna" (originally Alina), a 3-yo spayed female GSD who GSRSV rescued from the San Jose animal shelter on July 20, 2025.

Luna displayed severe anxiety ("kennel stress") in the shelter, and continued to exhibit severe anxiety and fear issues even once she was out of the shelter. She was terrified of being inside buildings, freaked out at strange noises, and was very fearful of men. Most foster caretakers would have returned Luna to me in short order, but Tandis not only stayed with her, she spent a considerable amount of her own money seeking training and veterinary advice to help Luna cope.

Every time Tandis updated me about Luna, I expected her to ask me to take Luna in. Never happened, and never even came close. Instead, Luna made slow but steady progress with Tandis, to the point that she was nearing the point of finally being ready for me to list her for adoption.

Though Tandis had never planned to adopt Luna, she couldn't bear the thought of Luna having to adjust to a new home and routine after coming so far with her. So, on May 1, Tandis and Reza formally adopted Luna.

There are lots of grandstand animal rescue warriors out there, but very few willing to battle in the trenches. Tandis (pictured here w/ Luna) earns my Purple Heart for her bravery and commitment.

SUPER-FRIENDLY 2-YO NEUTERED MALE GSD AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION AT CITY OF TAFT, CA, ANIMAL SHELTER. RESIDENT OF SHELTER FO...
05/07/2026

SUPER-FRIENDLY 2-YO NEUTERED MALE GSD AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION AT CITY OF TAFT, CA, ANIMAL SHELTER. RESIDENT OF SHELTER FOR OVER 1 YR!

“Tyson” is an approx 2-yo neutered male GSD available for adoption at the rural shelter in Taft, CA. Tyson is friendly, playful and well-behaved. He gets along great with other dogs. See https://youtube.com/shorts/KbsQvS5-uM0?feature=share for a video of Tyson (the darker of the two dogs) playing w/ another GSD. Tyson seems truly grateful to be off the streets from whence he came.

Tyson has been at the Taft shelter since January 2025—far too long for such a good-tempered dog (or any dog, for that matter). It’s Tyson’s good temperament that has enabled him to stay alive for so long—even when space has run out. Tyson is a true shelter staff favorite, and is so deserving of a home to call his own.

If you’re interested in adopting Tyson, please contact Carol Lacey, a volunteer at the shelter who has spent much time with him. Carol’s contact info is
415- 847-9078, [email protected].

URGENT!! FRIENDLY, GENTLE 3-YO NEUTERED MALE GSD AT CALAVERAS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER IN DESPERATE NEED OF FOSTER, ADOPTIO...
05/06/2026

URGENT!! FRIENDLY, GENTLE 3-YO NEUTERED MALE GSD AT CALAVERAS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER IN DESPERATE NEED OF FOSTER, ADOPTION OR RESCUE. ON EUTHANASIA LIST AND JUST ABOUT OUT OF TIME!

“Koda is a an approx 83-lb, 3-yo neutered male GSD who is gentle, people-oriented and bonds closely once he feels safe. He is dog-friendly and non-reactive. (See https://youtube.com/shorts/hT-dmavLZ8c?feature=share for a video of Koda w/ another dog.) Koda is a happy dog who loves playing with balls and splashing in water.

Koda has been at the shelter for a long time and is now struggling with kennel stress, making him less adoptable.

Koda is a large, strong dog who pulls a bit on leash. He will need an adopter who can handle his strength and provide him with more training while giving him time to develop new bonds.

Koda’s story is quite sad. His original person rehomed him to another person, but then that person abandoned Koda in Copperopolis in a crate, from where Calaveras County Animal Services (CCAS) picked him up.

CCAS has had successive groups of dogs come in: five, six, even ten at a time, resulting in some dogs doubled up or even tripled up in kennels. The crowding has hastened the euthanasia dates for many dogs, including Koda.

To inquire about adopting Koda, please contact CCAS at 209-754-6022 and refer to Koda’s ID #: A060318.

If you are serious about fostering Koda for GSRSV, please contact Brian Foran at 530-415-3801 (phone or text), or [email protected]

UPDATE 4-20-26: DEX ADOPTED!! 🐶*********************URGENT! 4-YO MALE GSD/HUSKY AT SAC COUNTY ("BRADSHAW") ANIMAL SHELTE...
04/18/2026

UPDATE 4-20-26: DEX ADOPTED!! 🐶

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URGENT! 4-YO MALE GSD/HUSKY AT SAC COUNTY ("BRADSHAW") ANIMAL SHELTER NEEDS RESCUE OR ADOPTION BY WED, 4-22, OR WILL BE EUTHANIZED DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS

"Dex" is a stunning 4-year-old German shepherd/husky mix whose spirit has weathered more storms than any dog should! He arrived at the shelter in February with two other dogs, all three shut down, terrified, and unsure how to exist in a world that had never shown them gentleness. They didn’t know how to walk on a leash, panicked at new sensations, and braced for danger that never came.

Dex has been learning, slowly, quietly, bravely that not every hand means harm. He’s begun to trust, though he still has a guarded heart and infrequently seeks out attention. Perfect for those who don't want a dog that's up in their grill. Click on the following link for a short video of Dex interacting w/ a shelter volunteer: https://youtube.com/shorts/AbPgYaJMKKY?feature=share .

With other dogs, he’s polite but uninterested; has shown no aggression at all, just a boy who has never learned play or how to feel safe in a crowd. Click on the following link for a short video of Dex in a play group w/ other dogs: https://youtu.be/G9e86s5aoMc?si=S4dVBqIYBsH4awWI

His past is a mystery, but his behavior speaks volumes regarding his worry about the world around him. This isn’t who he is, rather, it’s who he’s been forced to become in order to survive.

What Dex needs now is a calm, stable, deeply patient environment where he can finally exhale. A place where he can learn at his own pace, discover that safety is real, and feel the warmth of love without fear.

He doesn’t need perfection, he just someone willing to be his lighthouse while he finds his way. Can you be the safe harbor Dex has been searching for?

For information about meeting and possibly adoption Dex, see https://24petconnect.com/SacramentoCountyAdoptablePets/Details/SACC/A912829

READY FOR YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND?"Kamere" is an approx 4-yo neutered male GSD mix who is available for adoption through t...
04/10/2026

READY FOR YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND?

"Kamere" is an approx 4-yo neutered male GSD mix who is available for adoption through the woman (Christina) who rescued him from the very high-kill Devore animal shelter in San Bernardino County. Kamere is super-sweet and just in love with being alive! He is healthy, current on core vaccinations, microchipped, and ready for his new forever home.

Kamere is friendly with people of all ages and loves kids. He is great with other dogs (lives w/ two female GSDs) and good with cats as well. (He presently lives harmoniously with two indoor cats.)

Christina, who fostered a dog for GSRSV in the past, says that Kamere is "the happiest-go-lucky dog she has ever fostered!"

See www.gsrsv.org/OtherFosterDogs.htm for Kamere's full adoption profile.

Christina is presently in her "winter/spring" home in La Quinta, near Palm Springs, but will be returning to her regular home in Carmel in May. Christina would be willing to drive Kamere to Northern California to meet a promising adopter.

Please call/text Christina Courcier at 831-233-9310 to inquire about Kamere!

MYTH: ONLY PUPPIES AND YOUNG DOGS CAN BOND REALLY STRONG WITH THEIR PEOPLE AND FAMILIESTRUTH: MOST DOGS*, REGARDLESS OF ...
04/07/2026

MYTH: ONLY PUPPIES AND YOUNG DOGS CAN BOND REALLY STRONG WITH THEIR PEOPLE AND FAMILIES

TRUTH: MOST DOGS*, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WILL BOND STRONGLY WITH ANYONE WHO SHOWS THEM LOVE AND PATIENCE.

* and GSDs in particular!

This is a recent picture of "Zeus", a 12-yo neutered male GSD adopted by Cindy & Clint Weaver of Bend, Oregon on March 5, after his lifelong person in Sacramento passed away.

Cindy's latest update on Zeus: "Friday was 4 weeks with this sweet boy Zeus . He is down 5 pounds and is loving his new life in Oregon. We absolutely adore him."

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Sacramento, CA

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+19166553125

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